Rescued dogs flown in from California

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COOS BAY, Ore. -- The Snipped Clinic in Coos Bay is getting a special delivery, just in time for the holidays.

17 dogs were flown in from what they call 'high-kill' shelters in California, as part of the largest rescue in the Northwest.

Hannah Storms is a Snipped volunteer, and says the shelters down there often have to put the dogs down to make room. "It's really just a number for them," she said. "They accept any dogs, so if one dog comes in and they don't have any room, then they euthanize."

These dogs are mostly smaller breeds like Chihuahuas, one of the breeds that are more likely to be euthanized.

Tamara McCuistion, the executive director of the clinic, says our state has done a good job at curbing more euthanasia in shelters. "Those aren't in our shelters as often as they used to be, because Oregon has made some great strides when it comes to promoting adoption and stemming the tides of overpopulation."

The Snipped Clinic doesn't shelter these dogs.

Instead, they put them with foster families until they are adopted and find a family of their own. "We hope they'll be able to find homes quicker than they are in California, and we're filling the need for those people that are looking for that specific dog," said McCuistion.

Each dog that's adopted will be fixed, have up to date vaccines and will be microchipped so they don't end up in another shelter.

Storms said her love for these animals is why she volunteers. "I have three dogs, if I could adopt every single one of them I would," she said.

If you're interested in adopting any of these dogs, or even fostering them, you can stop by the clinic and grab an application.